My Car Has Broken Down – Should I Tow It Myself or Call a Recovery Truck?
A Real-World Guide for UK Drivers
My car has broken down, and I don’t have breakdown cover. That’s the situation I’m in right now — and if you’re reading this, you probably are too. Once I got past the initial panic, I realised I really only had two options: try to tow the car myself or call a professional recovery truck.
Table of Contents
- First Things First: Am I Safe Where I Am?
- Option 1: Towing the Car Myself (Only If It’s Safe)
- Option 2: Calling a Professional Recovery Truck
- Why a Recovery Truck Is Often the Better Choice
- How Much Does a Recovery Truck Cost?
- Automatic Cars: Recovery Is the Right Answer
- Final Thoughts
First Things First: Am I Safe Where I Am?
Before thinking about towing or recovery, the most important question I had to ask myself was:
“Is this a safe place for my car to be broken down?”
If you’re on:
- A motorway
- A busy dual carriageway
- A blind bend
- Or anywhere with fast-moving traffic
Then the answer is usually no.
The Highway Code highlights that breakdowns on motorways are especially dangerous, and vehicles should be recovered by professionals wherever possible. You can read the official guidance here: 👉 Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists
This alone made me seriously consider calling a recovery truck. See our Guide to Car Recovery for more on what to do in an emergency.
Option 1: Towing the Car Myself (Only If It’s Safe)
At first, towing the car myself sounded like the cheapest solution. But once I looked into it properly, I realised it’s only suitable in very limited situations.
When self-towing might be possible
- I’m on a quiet road
- The car’s brakes and steering still work
- I have proper towing equipment (rope or tow bar)
- There’s another qualified driver to sit in the broken-down car
- I only need to move the car a short distance
UK guidance explains that towing equipment must be used correctly and safely, and the towed vehicle must be kept under control at all times: 👉 GOV.UK - Towing with a car
When self-towing is a bad idea
- The car won’t steer or brake properly
- It’s an automatic vehicle
- I don’t have proper towing equipment
- Traffic is heavy or conditions are poor
- I’m stressed, alone, or unsure what I’m doing
The risks add up quickly, and towing incorrectly can cause accidents, damage, or legal problems.
Option 2: Calling a Professional Recovery Truck (Even Without Cover)
This is the option I didn’t think I could afford — until I realised something important:
You do not need breakdown cover to call a recovery truck.
Many recovery operators work on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning:
- No membership required
- No annual fee
- You only pay when you actually need help
That made professional recovery feel far more realistic. Many drivers are now using platforms like TowMyCar to find local drivers instantly.
Why a Recovery Truck Is Often the Better Choice
Once I compared both options, calling a recovery truck started to make much more sense.
1. It’s safer
Recovery trucks are designed to transport broken vehicles properly — usually by lifting or loading the car onto a flatbed.
This avoids:
- Tow ropes snapping
- Brake failures
- Steering problems
- Accidents involving two vehicles instead of one
The Highway Code strongly discourages rope towing on busy roads and favours professional recovery where possible.
2. It’s legal in all situations
Unlike self-towing, a recovery truck can:
- Recover vehicles from motorways (Check Motorway Recovery Costs)
- Transport cars that aren’t roadworthy
- Move vehicles with serious mechanical damage
This matters because towing a car that can’t brake or steer properly can lead to fines, accidents, or insurance issues.
3. It reduces stress
When your car has already broken down, the last thing you want to do is:
- Find another vehicle
- Attach towing equipment
- Coordinate two drivers
- Worry about causing more damage
Calling a recovery truck means someone else handles everything.
How Much Does a Recovery Truck Cost Without Breakdown Cover?
This was my biggest worry.
The cost depends on:
- Distance
- Location
- Time of day
- Vehicle type
Short-distance recoveries are often cheaper than expected, especially when compared to:
- Damage caused by incorrect towing
- Gearbox damage (especially automatics)
- Fines or insurance complications
For a detailed breakdown of costs, check out our article on Car Recovery Cost in the UK. It explains typical call-out fees and mileage charges.
Some services also allow you to compare prices from local recovery drivers.
Automatic Cars: Recovery Is the Right Answer
If your car is automatic, this part is critical.
Most automatic vehicles should not be towed with the driven wheels on the road unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.
In most cases:
- A flatbed recovery truck is the correct and safest solution
Trying to tow an automatic car to save money can easily result in expensive gearbox repairs.
What I’d Do If This Happened Again
After looking into everything, here’s my honest conclusion:
- On a motorway or busy road → call a recovery truck
- If the car isn’t clearly roadworthy → call a recovery truck
- If it’s an automatic → call a recovery truck
- If I feel unsure or stressed → call a recovery truck
Self-towing only makes sense in very controlled, low-risk situations.
Final Thoughts
Breaking down without breakdown cover is stressful — but you still have options.
Towing the car yourself can work in limited cases, but professional recovery is often:
- Safer
- Legal in all situations
- Less stressful
- Worth the cost
When your car has broken down, peace of mind matters. Always consider checking our Road Safety Tips to stay safe while waiting for help.
Related Articles
Road Safety Tips | Driving Safety Guide UK
Essential safety guidelines and best practices for safe vehicle towing on UK roads, including legal requirements and emergency protocols.
Car Recovery cost in the UK: Complete Guide to Costs, Call-Out Recovery & What to Expect
Breaking down is one of those situations no driver plans for, yet almost everyone experiences at some point. Knowing how car recovery works in the UK — and what it costs — can make a stressful situation far easier to manage.
Best Breakdown Cover Providers in the UK (And When You Don’t Need One)
A practical guide to the best UK breakdown cover providers — plus a smarter alternative for drivers who don’t want annual contracts.
